Grocery bag tote system

ABSTRACT

A grocery bag tote system is presented. The grocery bag tote system has a plurality of support arms that are connected to and extend outwardly from approximately a middle of the grocery bag tote system. A handle is also connected to approximately the middle of the grocery bag tote system. A plurality of notches are placed in an upper surface of the plurality of support arms. The handle of a grocery bag is placed within and held by these notches. This arrangement allows a user to carry a plurality of grocery bags without damaging the contents of the grocery bags as the grocery bags are held in spaced alignment to one another as they are carried.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a grocery bag tote. More specifically and without limitation, this invention is directed towards a device for transporting a plurality of grocery bags and more particularly for transporting a plurality of plastic grocery bags.

Typically, when transporting a plastic grocery bag to and from an automobile one will hook multiple bags on or around multiple fingers. When a bag contains heavy items, not only can this put strain on an individual's finger, but because the spacing between fingers is limited, the heavier bag will contact and apply pressure to lighter adjacent bags sometimes crushing or otherwise damaging the contents of these lighter bags. Likewise, current bag totes do not prevent a heavy bag from smashing the contents of a lighter bag during transport. Therefore, a need exists in the art for a device that addresses these deficiencies.

Thus, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a grocery bag tote system that improves upon the state of the art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag tote system that allows for transfer of multiple grocery bags at the same time.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag tote system that protects the contents of grocery bags while being transported.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag tote system that provides for proper spacing when a plurality of grocery bags are carried simultaneously.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag tote system that is easy to use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag tote system that is in expensive.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag tote system that is durable.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag tote system that saves time and effort.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag tote system that has an intuitive design.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag tote system that has a minimum number of parts.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag tote system that improves a user's carrying capacity.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag tote system that prevents possible injury to a person carrying multiple grocery bags.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag tote system that has a long useful life.

These and other objects, features, or advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specification and claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A grocery bag tote system is presented. The grocery bag tote system has a plurality of support arms that are connected to and extend outwardly from approximately a middle of the grocery bag tote system. A handle is also connected to approximately the middle of the grocery bag tote system. A plurality of notches are placed in an upper surface of the plurality of support arms. The handle of a grocery bag is placed within and held by these notches. This arrangement allows a user to carry a plurality of grocery bags without damaging the contents of the grocery bags as the grocery bags are held in spaced alignment to one another as they are carried.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the grocery bag tote system.

FIG. 2 is a front plan of the grocery bag tote system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the grocery bag tote system in use carrying a plurality of grocery bags.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the figures, a grocery bag tote system is presented with reference to numeral 10. The grocery bag tote system 10 includes a first support member 12.

First support member 12 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, first support member 12 extends a length between a first end 14 and an opposite second end 16. First support member 12 has opposing first lateral side 18 and second lateral side 20 which extend in generally parallel spaced planar relation to one another between first end 14 and second end 16. In this way, first support member 12 has a generally constant lateral thickness. First support member 12 also has an upper surface 22 and a bottom surface 24. Upper surface 22 is generally arcuate or curved in a convex manner whereas bottom surface 24 is generally arcuate or curved in a concave manner. In this way, first support member 12 angles or curves downward from its center to its ends 14, 16. While curved, in the arrangement shown, the first support member has a generally constant vertical thickness as the upper surface 22 and bottom surface 24 curve in corresponding manner to one another. Feet 26 are positioned adjacent the bottom surface 26 of first support member 12 adjacent first end 14 and second end 16. Feet 26 have a generally flat or planar bottom surface such that feet 26 provide a flat surface upon which the grocery bag tote 10 sits when placed on a flat surface, such as a table top or counter.

A second support member 28 connects to and intersects with first support member 12. Like first support member 12, second support member 28 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, second support member 28 extends a length between a first end 30 and an opposite second end 32. Second support member 28 has opposing first lateral side 34 and second lateral side 36 which extend in generally parallel spaced relation to one another between first end 30 and second end 32. In this way, second support member 28 has a generally constant lateral thickness. second support member 28 also has an upper surface 38 and a bottom surface 40. Upper surface 38 is generally arcuate or curved in a convex manner whereas bottom surface 40 is generally arcuate or curved in a concave manner. In this way, second support member 28 angles or curves downward from its center to its ends 30, 32. While curved, in the arrangement shown, the first support member has a generally constant vertical thickness as the upper surface 38 and bottom surface 40 curve in corresponding manner to one another. Feet 26 are positioned adjacent the bottom surface 40 of second support member 28 adjacent first end 30 and second end 32. Feet 26 have a generally flat or planar bottom surface such that feet 26 provide a flat surface upon which the grocery bag tote sits when placed on a flat surface, such as a table top or counter.

In the arrangement shown, the first support member 12 and second support member 28 intersect with one another at or about their center or middle. Because, in the arrangement shown, first support member 12 and second support member 28 are arcuately curved, first support member 12 and second support member 28 intersect at their apex, or highest point. The first support member 12 and second support member 28 then angle or curve downwardly from this connection to one another to their respective ends 14, 16, 30, 32. In the arrangement shown, the first support member 12 and second support member 28 intersect with one another in a generally perpendicular alignment, or said another way, the first support member 12 and second support member 28 intersect with one another at approximately 90° to one another. However, any other angle is hereby contemplated for use.

In addition, while in the embodiment shown a pair of support members (first support member 12 and second support member 28) are used, any number of support members are hereby contemplated for use. This includes a single support member; three support members arranged at approximately 60° to one another; four support members arranged at approximately 45° to one another; five support members arranged at approximately 30° to one another, or any other number of support members.

Alternatively, any number of support arms 42 are used to form grocery bag tote system 10. Support arms 42 are formed of approximately one half of a support member 12, 28. That is, a support arm 42 is formed by cutting support member 12, 28 at its middle or apex. In this arrangement, any number of support arms 42 are connected at their apex or middle to form grocery bag tote system 10. That is, it is hereby contemplated to use three support arms 42 arranged at approximately 120° to one another, five support arms 42 arranged at approximately 72° to one another, seven support arms 42 arranged at approximately 50° to one another, or any other number of support arms 42.

Each support member 12 and 28 has at least one or more than one notch 44 that is positioned in its upper surface 22, 38. Notches 44 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, each notch 44 includes an outward wall 46 that extends in generally vertical alignment and intersects the upper surface 22, 38. This outward wall 46 connects at its bottom end to a bottom wall 48 which extends at a generally horizontal alignment. The inward end of bottom wall 48 connects to an angled wall 50 which extends slightly upwardly at an angle before terminating in an inward wall 52 which, like outward wall 46, extends in generally vertical alignment and intersects the upper surface 22, 38.

In an alternative arrangement, the notches 44 are formed of a semi-circular-shaped cutout in support members 12, 28 when viewed from the side. In another arrangement, the lower or outside edge of notches 44 are hooked shaped which helps to hold objects therein. In another arrangement, notches 44 have a narrow passageway which opens to a larger chamber positioned below and connected to the passageway which also helps to hold objects therein. Alternatively, any other shaped notch or recess or opening is hereby contemplated for use as notch 44 such as square, rectangular, triangular, V-shaped, U-shaped, J-shaped, arcuate, or the like.

A grip 54 is connected to the grocery bag tote system 10. Grip 54 is formed of any suitable size, shape or design and is connected to the system 10 in any manner. In the arrangement shown, grip 54 is formed as a part of first support member 12 and extends upwardly from its upper surface 22 to form a loop 56 through which a user can place their hand. From the side, grip 54 is generally rectangular in shape with a generally rectangular loop 56 positioned therein. In this arrangement, grip 46 and loop 48 is aligned in parallel spaced relation with the end 14 to end 16 lateral length of first support member 12. This arrangement provides simplicity and strength and rigidity to the system 10 as the grip 54 is a monolithic piece of first support member 12. In an alternative arrangement, any other form of connecting grip 46 to system 10 is hereby contemplated, such as connecting grip 46 to system 10 with a rotatable joint, a flexible joint or the like such that the other components of system 10 can rotate or bend in relation to grip 46 thereby making carrying system 10 easier. Alternatively, grip 46 is formed of any other shaped object that is easy for a person to grasp, such as a single post that extends upwardly or outwardly from system 10, a piece of rope, a flexible belt or loop, a joystick or the like.

While the tote 10 is of any size and shape, in one arrangement, tote 10 is approximately 9¾ inches in length and 4¾ inches in height. This size works well with conventional grocery store plastic bags 58 having handles 60 therein. The notches 44 are spaced a sufficient distance apart such that heavier bags will not crush the contents of a lighter bag. In addition, due to the downward angle or curve of support members 12, 28, grocery bags 58 positioned within notches 44 are forced by the weight of gravity to be engaged against a lower and outer surface of the notches 44 (such as the bottom wall 48 and outward wall 48. This provides spaced alignment of grocery bags 58 and balancing of system 10.

In Operation:

After shopping at a grocery store, with a back seat or trunk full of plastic grocery bags 58, the user grasps the grocery bag tote system 10 by its grip 54. Next, the user grasps each grocery store plastic bag 58 by their handles 60 and slides the handle 60 over an end 14, 16, 30, 32 of a support member 12, 28. Once in position over a selected notch 44, the user lowers the bag's handle 60 into the notch 44. The force of gravity holds the handle 60 into the notch 44 and forces the handle 60 into engagement with the outward wall 46 and the bottom wall 48. This process is repeated for as many bags 58 the user has to carry with grocery bag tote system 10. As the bags 58 are added, care is taken to ensure the bags 58 are positioned in notches 44 in a manner that provides balance to the grocery bag tote system 10.

As the bags 58 hang in notches 44, proper spacing is maintained between bags 58. This prevents the contents of heavier bags 58 (such as a plurality of soup cans) from crushing, bruising or damaging the contents of lighter bags 58 (such as a bag of produce or chips).

By aligning the support members 12, 28, or support arms 42 at approximately equal angles to one another and sizing the support members 12, 28, or support arms 42 to have approximately the same size or length, and by positioning the notches 44 at approximately the same position on the support members 12, 28, or support arms 42 this provides the system 10 with proper balance. Said another way, by having a symmetric system 10 this provides proper balance.

While the system 10 is shown and described with respect to carrying grocery bags 58, any other object can be received within and held by grooves 44, and therefore this invention is not limited to carrying grocery bags 58.

The system 10 is formed of any material and formed by any manufacturing method. However, in one arrangement, system 10 is formed of a plastic, nylon, acrylic, or other composite material or combination thereof; and in one arrangement the system 10 is formed by injection molding such that the system is made of one solid monolithic piece.

From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that the grocery bag tote system 10 presented improves upon the state of the art.

That is, the grocery bag tote system 10 presented allows for transfer of multiple grocery bags at the same time; protects the contents of grocery bags while being transported; provides for proper spacing when a plurality of grocery bags are carried simultaneously; is easy to use; is in expensive; is durable; saves time and effort; has an intuitive design; has a minimum number of parts; improves a user's carrying capacity; prevents possible injury to a person carrying multiple grocery bags; has a long useful life; promotes proper carrying technique, among countless other features and advantages and improvements.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby. 

What is claimed:
 1. A grocery bag tote system, comprising: a first support member extending a length between a first end and a second end; a second support member extending a length between a first end and a second end; the first support member is connected to the second support member approximately at their middle; a grip connected to the system; a plurality of notches positioned in an upper surface of the first support member and the second support member which are formed to receive and hold an object therein.
 2. The grocery bag tote system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of notches have a generally vertical outward wall.
 3. The grocery bag tote system of claim 1 the first support member angles or curves downward from its middle to its first end and second end.
 4. The grocery bag tote system of claim 1 the second support member angles or curves downward from its middle to its first end and second end.
 5. The grocery bag tote system of claim 1 wherein the first support member is aligned approximately perpendicular to the second support member.
 6. The grocery bag tote system of claim 1 further comprising a third support member connected to the system.
 7. The grocery bag tote system of claim 1 wherein the grip is formed as part of the first support member.
 8. The grocery bag tote system of claim 1 wherein the grocery bag tote system is formed of a single monolithic piece.
 9. A grocery bag tote system, comprising: a first support arm; a second support arm; a third support arm; the first support arm, the second support arm and the third support arm connected to and extending outwardly from approximately a middle of the grocery bag tote system; a grip connected to the system; a plurality of notches positioned in an upper surface of the first support arm, the second support arm and the third support arm which are formed to receive and hold an object therein.
 10. The grocery bag tote system of claim 9 further comprising a fourth support arm extending outwardly from approximately a middle of the grocery bag tote system.
 11. The grocery bag tote system of claim 9 further comprising a fourth support arm and a fifth support arm extending outwardly from approximately a middle of the grocery bag tote system.
 12. The grocery bag tote system of claim 9 further comprising wherein the first support arm, the second support arm and the third support arm are aligned at approximately 120 degrees to one another.
 13. The grocery bag tote system of claim 9 wherein the first support arm, the second support arm, and the third support arm curve or angle downwardly as they extend outwardly from the middle of the grocery bag tote system.
 14. A grocery bag tote system, comprising: a plurality of support arms; the plurality of support arms connected to and extending outwardly from approximately a middle of the grocery bag tote system; a grip connected to the system; and a plurality of notches positioned in an upper surface of the plurality of support arms wherein the plurality of notches are formed to receive and hold an object therein.
 15. The grocery bag tote system of claim 14 wherein the plurality of support arms are aligned in approximately equal angular relation to one another.
 16. The grocery bag tote system of claim 14 wherein the plurality of support arms curve or angle downwardly as they extend outwardly from the middle of the grocery bag tote system. 